May 10, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – NJ/NY Gotham FC News Release
HARRISON, NJ – Gotham FC looks to continue its climb up the NWSL standings when the club hosts the Orlando Pride on Sunday, May 14 at 5:30 p.m. at Red Bull Arena. In addition to the matchup featuring a trio of stars from the Brazil Women’s National Team in Bruninha of Gotham FC and Marta and Adrianna of the Pride, the Mother’s Day match will have a special resonance for the mothers on the home club’s roster: U.S. Women’s National Team icons Allie Long and Ali Krieger.
A series of strategic offseason moves by GM Yael Averbuch West and the Soccer Operations team, the work of first-year Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós and his staff, and the commitment of all the players have led to an impressive start to the 2023 season for Gotham FC. In the first eight matches across all competitions, Gotham FC is 4-2-0 in the regular season and 1-0-1 in UKG NWSL Challenge Cup. Gotham FC and OL Reign are the only clubs with four regular season victories.
Gotham FC has been led by star forward Lynn Williams, an offseason acquisition who has scored six goals in eight matches across all competitions. Her four regular season goals place Williams in a six-way tie for the league lead. In addition to scoring two goals in three games, forward Midge Purce also has two assists – which ranks her tied for second in the league.
Jenna Nighswonger, the fourth overall selection in the 2023 NWSL Draft, has made an immediate impact, from substituting as a defender in her professional debut in Gotham FC’s season opener to scoring the opening goal in the club’s 2-1 victory in Chicago on May 7. As an illustration of the depth of the team’s roster, a league-high 23 players have appeared in matches for Gotham FC across all competitions – including all three goalkeepers: Abby Smith, Mandy Haught, and Michelle Betos. Only Gotham FC and OL Reign have utilized three goalkeepers in 2023.
Following the match on Sunday, Gotham FC will host a media availability via Zoom, and will provide photos, videos and soundbytes
Notes
Allie Long: A Mom and Athlete’s Late-Night Dedication, Gotham Family Road Trips
Gotham FC midfielder and U.S. Women’s National Team icon Allie Long’s two biggest passions are family and soccer, and she never wavers in her dedication to both. Long knew that coming back after the birth of her twins last year would be no easy feat, but the midfielder was 100 percent committed to being a mom and 100 percent…